(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – A wave of fires and drone strikes has crippled critical logistics and energy infrastructure across Russia over a three day period between 24th and 26th August 2026, with Ukrainian forces expanding their targeting beyond major retailers to encompass broader warehousing networks.
OZON Warehouses Targeted
Ukrainian drones struck three OZON warehouse facilities between 22nd and 24th August, marking the first time the retail logistics firm has been targeted. The attacks followed previous strikes against rival retailer Wildberries, which has already suffered extensive damage to its distribution network.
The third OZON warehouse strike occurred on 24th August in Dagestan, a Muslim-majority region in southern Russia near the Azerbaijani border. Footage released by Ukrainian military sources showed a drone slamming directly into the facility, triggering a large fire.
St Petersburg Logistics Complex Destroyed
On 24th August, a general purpose logistics warehouse in Kolpino, St Petersburg, was completely destroyed by fire following a drone strike. The 80,000 square metre facility operated as a rental space for smaller shipping companies and resellers, rather than belonging to a specific retail brand.
The attack signals an expansion in Ukraine’s targeting strategy, moving beyond specific companies to dismantle Russia’s broader warehousing and shipping capacity across western regions.
Resellers Face Mounting Losses
A Wildberries reseller who lost her ice cream business in the warehouse fires described the impact in a social media video. She estimated her losses at approximately 100 million roubles (roughly £850,000 or $1.1 million), stating that her products had been burning for nearly eight hours.
The reseller acknowledged having built her business over eight years while remaining “not interested in politics” despite Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine dating back to 2014.
Amur Gas Chemical Complex Fire
On 25th August, a major fire broke out at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, located approximately 6,000 kilometres from Ukraine in Russia’s Far East. The facility, which had been under construction for five years and was scheduled to begin operations within months, was engulfed by multiple fires.
Ukrainian sources indicated the fire was not caused by drone strikes, given the extreme distance. Analysts suggest the incident may be linked to systemic corruption within Russian oligarch-controlled construction projects, where safety standards are allegedly compromised and insurance fraud remains common practice.
Moscow Refinery Attacked
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Moscow on 25th August, continuing a pattern of attacks on Russian fuel infrastructure. The following day, 26th August, saw one of the largest coordinated attacks launched by Ukrainian forces into Russian territory.
The Nizhnekamsk oil refinery was struck, with footage showing residents queuing at petrol stations while the facility burned in the background. Gasoline and diesel shortages have been reported across Moscow, with fuel lines clogging roads as residents attempt to secure supplies.
Kotovsk Wildberries Warehouse Destroyed
A 100,000 square metre Wildberries logistics hub in Kotovsk, Kirov Oblast, was completely destroyed by fire on 26th August. The facility held symbolic significance as one of the first logistics centres ever targeted by Ukrainian forces.
Mass Departures from Russia
The cumulative impact of drone strikes, infrastructure damage, and economic disruption has prompted some Russian citizens to leave the country. One reseller announced he was relocating to Vietnam after losing his entire inventory in the Wildberries fires, citing safety concerns and the lack of adequate bomb shelters in his neighbourhood.
The individual acknowledged that petrol prices had reached 150 roubles per litre (approximately £1.30 or $1.60) before supplies became unavailable entirely.
Internet Disruptions Impact Tax Revenue
Russian online businesses are reporting significant losses due to internet outages affecting the country’s domestic network. One entrepreneur noted the paradoxical situation: “I earned money and pay taxes so they can use my tax money to ban the internet that I use to make money so I can pay them those taxes.”
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